The Strange Odyssey of the Ron Paul Tent at Occupy Philly

Ron Paul supporters and Occupiers make for strange bedfellows: While Paul’s supporters and Occupiers agree that this country is in big trouble, they advocate wildly different solutions. On a recent afternoon, a Paul supporter hanging outside the Ron Paul tent on the Northwest corner of Dilworth Plaza explained the ideological rift. “[Occupiers] basically want the government to help them,” says a 56-year-old man who didn’t want to give his name. “[For Ron Paul supporters], the view is [the government has] helped plenty . They helped so much that it’s destroyed us financially.”

Differences between the camps don’t stop with fiscal policy. Lots of liberals who want to “end the Fed” can’t get behind Paul’s anti-choice rhetoric and conservative stance on issues such as gay rights and immigration.

The presence of the Ron Paul tent has kept some would-be Occupiers away. These are posts from the Democratic Underground message board: “Frankly, that Ron Paul tent and message is a huge turn-off to me and antithetical to what I thought the ‘Occupy’ movement was about.”

“I really wish the Ron Paul group would start their own gig and just stay away from OWS,” posted a user named Zorra. “If they threw a party, hardly anyone would go to it. So they have parasitically attached themselves to our ultra-progressive revolutionary movement because we are what’s real and what’s happening, in order to push their junk without doing any heavy lifting.”

The tension played out on the Plaza. Throughout October, the Ron Paul group heard rumors about other Occupiers’ efforts to have them banned from the Plaza. While Occupy spokespeople say they’ve never heard of any such efforts, other Occupiers say they have.

“Some [Occupiers] have tried to get [the Ron Paul supporters] banned,” says 33-year-old Melanie Bartlett, a Philadelphia school district administrator. “My husband’s an immigrant, and Ron Paul people, and Ron Paul, have very different ideas about immigrant policy.”

“I don’t trust him to be an anti-racism ally and this movement is built on that,” adds Bartlett. “I can’t stress enough that they don’t represent the views of most people here.”

Then there’s the matter of the gun. Some Occupiers have kept their distance from the Ron Paul tent because Fernando Antonio Salguero, who runs a sideline business teaching people off-the-grid survivalist techniques, regularly carries a Colt .45 slung on his hip. He has a permit to open carry, and has unapologetically and consistently worn the weapon every day he’s been on the Plaza.

“The 2nd amendment protects the 1st Amendment,” he likes to say. “I have the right to protect my DNA,” he says, which is his way of saying he has the right to defend himself from harm if necessary.

Though Salguero sees the gun as a peacekeeping tool (“An armed society is a polite society”), it freaks out other Occupiers.

“You’d really catch a lot less attention if you were naked than with a .45 on your hip,” say Chris Goldstein, spokesman for Occupy Philly.

A few weeks ago, the tension between the Ron Paul tent and other Occupiers reached a tipping point. Salguero says that in the middle of the night on Oct. 19, a stealthy intruder broke into the empty Ron Paul booth as the overnight staff snoozed in a tent set up next door. “They took 100 percent of our literature and DVDs, then stole all the flashlights, propane tanks and two-thirds of food and water supplies,” says Salguero, sitting beneath a sign tacked to the wall that lists “George Washington’s Rules of Civility.”

“Then they took a hot steaming shit right here,” says Salguero. He leans over and slaps the cold concrete floor in the center of the booth with his gloved hand.

Asked if he knows who did it, Salguero says it doesn’t matter in a way that implies he does. Perhaps, he offers, it’s the same person who tore down the Rosa Parks tent last week.

But rather than be pissed off, Salguero’s grateful. The shit backfired. “Up at the General Assembly, they said, ‘Look, we don’t agree with Ron Paul, but we’re sorry that that happened.’” Salguero says the attack didn’t just ingratiate Ron Paul people with the rest of Occupy, it also galvanized his own camp. “The fact is we only had a small Ron Paul sign in the beginning,” says Salguero. “[After the incident] I put a call out to our group, and people dug into their basements.” Supporters found old Paul campaign placards, taped “2012” over “2008” and hung them on the tent. “Someone taking a … dump could’ve been the best thing that happened to us,” says Salguero.

The strange thing about all the prominent Ron Paul signage is that after talking for a while, it becomes clear that Salguero disagrees with Paul on the same points many of his critics do, like abortion and gay rights. Stranger still, the so-called Ron Paul tent isn’t a Ron Paul tent at all. Though a pedestrian or fellow Occupier wouldn’t know it from the signage, Salguero and company are actually representing the group “Truth, Freedom, Prosperity.” According to its meet-up page, TFP “strongly support[s] the principles of truth, individual liberty, personal success, self defense, nonaggression, and true free trade.”

While hanging giant Ron Paul signs created a rift between the group and the rest of the Occupiers, the intended message was one of diversity. “To me, every other tent out here is basically the same,” says assistant organizer Jerry Hartman. “[We are] not protesting the protesters, but showing the other side of it. Though we’re not here just for Ron Paul, it shows there is a more 3-D nature to this whole conceit—its not just the homeless or the kids at class right now.”

Last weekend, the group decided to take a different path. “We are softening our image,” says Salguero. “We don’t want to be known as the Ron Paul tent.” Last Friday, Salguero revealed he’s been working on a new bigger, better, winter-ready structure—without the Ron Paul signs. “We’re not eliminating Ron Paul, but we’re not going to hang the giant 8-foot Ron Paul signs. It’s not going to be glaring or in your face. We want to have [the new structure] open to everybody.”

They erected the new 18-foot structure over the weekend. They're calling it the “Occupy Philly warming station.” Using a combination of his survivalist know-how and experience as a firefighter, the new modular temporary structure is impressive, huge by tent standards and meets fire code. It cost $800 in materials and took a week to build.

COMMENTS

Comments 1 - 100 of 100

1. Melanie Bartlett said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 12:16PM

“Thanks for this article, but to be clear - I think Ron Paul is more than not an anti-racist ally. I believe he has racist/white-supremacist views. He also wants to abolish minimum wage and doesn't support public education, major items the Occupy movement would disagree with.”

2. Publius said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:03PM

“Other than being part of the 99%, what else must an individual do to be included in the Occupy Movement? Is there now a litmus test of single issues as well? If one's faith guides them to a position that abortion is the equivalent of murder are they no longer welcomed by OWS? If they believe that solutions other than government mandates exist to help those most disadvantaged (i.e. against minimum wage), are they not welcomed by OWS? Is OWS the movement of the 99%, or those in the 99% who adhere to specific views and beliefs?”

3. Andrew Wright said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:11PM

“I agree. I've been to Dillworth and I'll tell you right now this movement isn't what it wants to claim to be. The people there talk about how they are "the 99%" etc..., but the reality is that being middle class isn't enough to have your voice heard in that movement. Just look at the pressure applied to the guy in this article. If he truly believes that Ron Paul's views represent his own, why the fuck can't he fight for that at Dillworth? How can Occupy Philly claim to want democracy, but as soon as one makes use of the freedom inherent in a democracy, the bully bat comes out and they try to BAN HIM FROM DILLWORTH!!! Are you kidding? Shame on you Occupy Philadelphia for making one of our own (99 percenter) feel like he has to change to conform to some norm or standard existing created by you!”

4. Sharkfeet said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:20PM

“This article is crazy! These people talk about democracy but they SHIT in the tent of the first guy who didn't hold their exact views! lol Ms. Bartlett, I would hope that you would at least offer some support for your claim that Ron Paul is a racist? As far as I am familiar with him, while I don't agree with his radical liberatarianism, he is principled and consistent in his views. I am aware that he has been criticized in his view on the Civil Rights Act, but at the same time his principles would have guided him to be against Jim Crow laws. His principles may put right to property before human rights,but I have seen no occasion when his views have been skewed to negatively affect a race of people. The same is true with his views on immigration. If you wish to label him racist, tell us how his views disproportional affect one race or some races over another. Thanks, have a good day.”

5. jeff said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:43PM

“Minimum wage laws cause unemployment. If you would like to understand why and read about economics, please see "Economics in One Lesson" by Henry Hazlitt.”

6. Philly Occupier said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:45PM

“I too would be interested to know how Ms. Bartlett came to that conclusion about Ron Paul. This was an obvious bold move on her part to make an accusation that for the most part is unfounded. Mr. Paul, like Sharkfeet said, has been consistent in his message for the entire time he has been a politician. He never wavered like all candidates have, no matter what party affiliation. I am sure that Ms. Bartlett would never had condoned a rally from Angela Davis at Occupy Philly, who proudly boasts that her views mostly are aimed to enrich blacks. I think it is a matter at Occupy Philly of less government, more government, or no government to solve the problems we face today. Maybe it would be nice for Ms. Bartlett to condemn the actions of criminal acts rather make her comments a hit piece for her agenda so the movement may move forward with common ground.”

7. James Babb said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:45PM

“Truth, Freedom, Prosperity has donated over 2 tons of organic, fair trade food to Occupy Philly. Now what do you say about those "selfish" libertarians?”

8. FERNANDO ANTONIO SALGUERO said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:49PM

“My only critique of this article is that the Survive and Thrive group IS NOT A BUSINESS but is a free offering to all of humanity, bar none. We are a skill sharing collective with about 500 members. It is apolitical, we squash any political talk and we stay focused on the issues of self reliance and balancing ancient /modern knowledge & masculine/feminine energies for the good of all.

Aside from that I wish to add that all of the reporters that have interviewed us ( PW, Daily News, Metro, etc) have omitted the fact that TFP has donated over 5000 pounds of fair trade organic fruits/veggies/meats/cheeses/breads/muffins/etc to the OP Food Committee. Putting our asses AND our money where our mouths are. We have also served about 500 cups of hot tea to protesters and homeless alike. OP has the second largest homeless feeding station in the city of brotherly love. We are shoulder to shoulder with the OP movement even though some of our ideas differ. We are here for the long haul.”

9. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:52PM

“Ron Paul is not a racist. He is a doctor that has helped bring 4000 babies into the world, he believes in people helping themselves and the goodwill of charity, not the government controlling your life or corporations controlling government. Grow up and stop spreading vicious lies”

10. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:08PM

“The state did not get our DNA here, our ancestors' struggles did. They made it through plagues, wars and famines. I like the idea of protecting my own DNA from undue influence by corporations and the governments and cultures that they control. The State has been restricted by the forging of the US Constitution from placing a lien on our natural rights. In-a-lien-able. I am proud that this man is reinforcing the 1st amendment with the 2nd.”

11. Barb Marinelli said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:19PM

“Right on! Well said Fernando! Makes me proud to be a member of TFP! Makes me wonder if 99% should really be more like 97% or whatever if they want to exclude some people from speaking out just because their ideas differ!”

12. FERNANDO ANTONIO SALGUERO said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:21PM

“Restore and preserve the U.S. Constitution ( Repeal the Patriot Act )End all wars and bring all troops home.( stop stealing and killing )Abolish all drug laws. ( 70 % of prisoners are non violent drug offenders)Understand and then END THE FEDeral Reserve. ( Fiat currency)Ensure civil liberties for all people. ( Be fair, but not suckered )

These are the points that have us ( TFP ) stand along side Ron Paul.”

13. Ryan Kuch said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:42PM

“The characterization of the TFP tent as a "Ron Paul" tent, or the volunteers at the tent as "Ron Paul" supporters, is not the whole picture, although it is absolutely understandable how they could have been interpreted in that light. As noted in the article, the Ron Paul signs were brought in response to the group's initial resources being lost. They simply happened to be resources readily available to the TFP volunteers, and were therefore utilized. Many volunteers at the tent are making it a point to express to the fellow occupiers that they are not there to support the political campaign of Ron Paul at all. At the risk of putting words into people's mouths, most if not all of the volunteers at the TFP tent are there in support of ideas, discourse, coming to a common respect and uniting to overcome the problems of our era. I hope that these misunderstandings can be resolved, and that communication can foster a strong and fruitful alliance among all parties interested to effect change”

14. Publius said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:51PM

“Ryan, I think you ignore the elephant in the room. That's fine that TFP doesn't equal Ron Paul. However, even if it did, the actions of Occupy Philly, defecation, holding a vote to ban, etc... are inexcusable. Occupy Philadelphia has to ask if it is really a democratic movement inclusive of the 99%, or if it's a left wing movement pushing its own agenda. That's fine if it is, but a cloak of inclusion shouldn't be worn, if a big pile of dung awaits the unsuspecting 99 percenter who holds conservative views.”

15. Melanie Bartlett said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 03:52PM

“For more information about why I believe Ron Paul is racist, check out some articles online:For example: http://newsone.com/nation/casey-gane-mccalla/why-ron-pauls-racist-newsletters-matter/ and here is another: http://blogcritics.org/politics/article/a-quick-investigation-into-ron-pauls/ and here is another: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/09/07/10-quotes-that-make-ron-paul-sound-racist/

I think getting rid of the huge Ron Paul signs is a step in the right direction. This movement is not about campaigning for ANY politician for president.”

16. bob said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 03:55PM

“Freedom comes from taking a crap in a tent i guess.

Occupy city "x" is a reaction, but most reactions are rather illogical. sure people should be upset, but at a guy who extolls the constitution?

take you next crap in a box and send it to the FED instead.”

17. jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 03:56PM

“Despite the aggressiveness of his many (seemingly all male) fans on the internet, Ron Paul and his ideas continue to remain on the far fringes of American thought and politics. That's because, aside from his troubling associations with racist characters (see a long explication from libertarian magazine Reason here: http://reason.com/archives/2008/01/16/who-wrote-ron-pauls-newsletter), Paul, despite supporting scaling back the drug war and foreign imperialism, also wants to abolish the minimum wage, financial regulations, public funding for colleges, Medicare, Social Security, and most of the rest of the social safety net in this country. These cruel ideas, no matter what non-mainstream economist you can summon to support them, simply don't resonate with the vast majority of decent Americans.

And the insistence that "Occupy Philly" pooped in this tent is absurd. One individual did this; he or she was in no way supported by any working group, committee, or general assembly.”

18. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 03:58PM

“Ron Paul for president!”

19. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 03:59PM

“”

20. Mike Heise said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:01PM

“I agree, to really hold true to saying things like "we are the 99%", then you must accept everybody, not necessarily agree with, but accept everybody comprising that percentage. I feel our presence there is very important actually, because it opens up the ability of differing dialogue. If people had any respect, and an open mind, they could see the huge possibilities that would come out of opening the lines of communication between people with different views. it allows for the weeding out of the good from the bad from either side of the debate.

As for the Ron Paul stuff, TFP has no rules other than to abide by its own name: Truth, Freedom, Prosperity, and the pursuit of those ideals. A large group of us happen to be ron paul fans, but not everybody is and the ones that arent are vocal, thats fine. but to paint him, insubstantially, as a racist is just slander. Ron Paul does not endorse racism/anti-homosexuality and neither does TFP.”

21. Jonny said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:02PM

“In response to the comments of Ms. Bartlett:1. Ron Paul is not a "racist". This false accusation was spread because of his beliefs about the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which created federal laws that barred private businesses from being able to refuse service to individuals because of their race. Dr. Paul does not believe that anyone should do this, but he does believe that it is unconstitutional to force a business to decide who it can and cannot provide goods and services to. He justification is that the federal government may have actually done more harm than good by engendering resentment and has said that market forces may actually have been more compelling in curbing racism as racist companies would still have been subject to strikes, boycotts, and competition. Paul may or may not be wrong in his ideologyand his belief of what would have been the best for the most people, but that does not mean that he is a racist.”

22. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:04PM

“Sorry about that. Furthermore, I think it's entirely inappropriate to have ANY candidate signs on the plaza, particularly for a current candidate for the Republican nomination for president. It bespeaks a lack of good faith common cause with the Occupy Philly movement.”

23. mookie said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:05PM

“LIES LIES LIES!!!!! Ron Paul believes that everyone, regardless of your sexuality, color, sex, or religion, is entitled to the same personal liberties. He personally believes in family values and heterosexual lifestyle, yet clearly states that the government should stay out of peoples bedrooms when it comes to their decision to choose a gay lifestyle. He does not support our current system, that groups individuals together and demands different treatment based on these special interests. Ron Paul has huge support from independents who believe in personal liberty, yet have a strong enough understanding of economics to realized more socialism is not the solution, especially as we face these deficits.”

24. Jonny said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:07PM

“2. The federal minimum wage is not mentioned in the constitution. The federal government has not authority to level a minimum wage, it simply cannot prevent a state from establishing its on minimum wage. Since the federal government does mandate a minimum wage it is effectively taking decision-making power from the states, which should be protected under the 10th amendment. As far as the states mandating a minimum wage, there are arguments against that, such as the fact that it increases unemployment (more $ per worker = less workers). To combat unjust wages, the government was established to protect workers rights to unionize, collectively bargain, and strike.”

25. Jonny said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:11PM

“3. Ron Paul does support public education because he believes that an education population is vital and necessary for economic growth and proper national defense. He also supports parents rights to make decisions about their children's educations and supports private schools and homeschooling and I believe he supports tax waivers for these options (correct me if I'm wrong). He believes the decisions about curriculum and the allocation of funds is best left to the state and local level, which is why he DOES NOT support the FEDERAL department of education, because it is unconstitutional and wasteful. I am a public high school teacher in California and I agree with him!”

26. Sovereign said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:13PM

“I wish OWS and Ron Paul supporters could find more common ground instead of dwelling on their differences. With Immigration, Paul stated that rounding up everyone is not the way to go, nor is demanding proof of citizenship upon demand (he was against the national ID), but rather a streamlined process of legalization is needed. Abortion and Gay rights, Paul is the only Pro Life candidate that does not want a federal ban on abortion or a constitutional definition of "marriage." He's a strict constitutionalist that, even though he may not agree with certain things, he is staunchly against trying to regulate anyone in an attempt to make them "moral." If the Paul supporters could show the OWS people that voting for RP would not take away abortion, or outlaw gay marriage, or would result of a mass round up of latinos, then perhaps the two might actually come together.”

27. End The Fed said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:13PM

“So, with out explanation, she says, "check out these sites". lol This woman is lame. Did she think that her comments were going to be the only ones posted here? Good luck in explaining yourself to the TFP crowd the next time you want to sit down and find a common cause sweetheart!”

28. James Babb said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:14PM

“Restoring prosperity is the key concern of most occupiers, progressive and libertarian alike. Both camps have things to learn from the other, and more in common than many realize.

The status quo thrives on dividing us. Instead of us uniting against tyranny, they prefer that we bicker over which politician is the lesser of evils. The thought of us coming together to support the Bill of Rights and to oppose imperialism and corporatism scares the crap out them (literally is seems).

”

29. Doug said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:22PM

“Ron Paul believes all persons, gay straight, or otherwise, should be allowed to marry whom ever they choose and without any government intervention. How can liberals find fault with this?”

30. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:27PM

“To the folks having a problem with Ron Paul, you ought to really rethink how you pick your battles. If you think you can change the Democratic party, internally, you are sadly mistaken.

I differ substantially with Ron Paul, I believe in a European style social safety net. These battles can be fought in Congress. Ron Paul offers to do the most good as President in charge of our foreign policy. Unlike anyone I've heard on the Democrat side, sans Kucinich, or Bernie Saunders, Paul is willing to take on the Military Industrial Complex. Imagine what could be done if we had a president willing to take on the Pentagon, if only for 4 years.

But keep on telling yourselves Obama would accomplish lots, if only GOP obstructionists would let him. It's a lie, Obama is only going left now because 2012 approaches. His administration is even more opaque than the previous.

And re immigrants, if you want a social safety net, you can't have open borders. The old school socialists realized thi”

31. Scissors said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:27PM

“I had a "discussion" with Mrs. Bartlett. I put discussion in quotes because other than ad hominem attacks and some robotic slogans she had nothing to say. I really wanted to comment on this article because there have been some issues created by the less intelligent of occupy. However, as I'm sure most of us realize, the most ignorant are usually and unfortunately the most audible. Many "true" occupiers are very accepting of dissenting opinions, and I have been very grateful for that. Especially after so many came to our aid on Sunday!”

32. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:28PM

“Boy, you guys sure do a lot of huffing and puffing. People can make up their own minds about your. . unique interpretation of the commerce clause of the Constitution, but the fact is that your guy has repeatedly voted against curbing corporate giving to campaigns (google DISCLOSE act and McCain-Feingold), expanding Pell grants, food stamps, welfare, the recent American Jobs act, and on and on. Here's Ron Paul saying he wants to repeal Wall Street regulations:http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/10/18-5”

33. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:28PM

“Boy, you guys sure do a lot of huffing and puffing. People can make up their own minds about your. . unique interpretation of the commerce clause of the Constitution, but the fact is that your guy has repeatedly voted against curbing corporate giving to campaigns (google DISCLOSE act and McCain-Feingold), expanding Pell grants, food stamps, welfare, the recent American Jobs act, and on and on. Here's Ron Paul saying he wants to repeal Wall Street regulations:http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/10/18-5”

34. Gmartine said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:37PM

“It is all in good fun for the cause of liberty. The OWS have been at this for what?... 4 months maybe? Ron Paul supporters have been fighting the most elite facists for 4 years now. Austrian economics (mises) has provided the info on why the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. But I digress.. I camped the first night and 2 nights after at my local OWS in Colorado. I am a full on RP supporter. We have been battle tested. We know who the enemies of freedom are. And we will continue to stand with those who fight opression, even if they don't want us to.”

“The Occupy people with accomplish nothing. Ron Paul people have already won.”

37. No Use for a Theif said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:58PM

“Stealing private property because you disagree and want to stomp your feet, throw a tantrum and get your way - which is ME paying for YOU is typical of the bums occupying Wall Street. The intelligent and freedom loving are over at the Ron Paul tent.”

38. OWNtheNWO said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 04:59PM

“An yet Jesse, Ron Paul voted against the repeal of Glass Steagle, against the bailouts. How does that work?

It's simple, the legislation you are citing is more empty headed government expansionism creating toothless "regulations" that do nothing to write the wrongs or prosecute the criminal behavior. But instead give the corporations more layers of bureaucracy in which to hide their minions.

The truth as always is somewhere in between. The Tea Party thinks the government has too much power and influence. OWS thinks the corporations have too much power and influence.

The reality: Corporations lobby government for more regulations which the corrupt politicians in turn write favorably towards the corporations they are beholden to.

”

39. Michael Edelstein said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:01PM

“Let's emphasize the issue most important to Ron Paul, the one we and Occupy agree on: Bring the troops home, NOW!”

40. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:03PM

“So the question then becomes, if regulatory agencies have become corporate power structures within government, how do we "regulate" these businesses within the law.

1. you throw out the corrupt politicans2. you empower the citizens by rejecting admiralty law and reinstating systems of common law within the courts.

Free-market regulations, while not written by bureaucracy are far stricter than anything the government has written.

No individual or entity can commit aggression, invasion, coercion or fraud. Against individuals or entities, personal, private or public property.

Think about for a minute what that actually entails. Think of a corporate injustice you see and your ability to rectify it in the court of law with this system re-established.”

41. lovecookie said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:05PM

“@Melanie Bartlett... you are regurgitating talking points without any comprehension of the issues.

1. The minimum wage keeps people poor and prices unskilled workers out of jobs. Google Peter Schiff Minimum wage.2. You hear that Dr. Paul wants to end the dept. of Education, so you assume he is against education. This is not true. Dr. Paul wants to bring education control back to the states so the quality will improve. The dept. of Education is a corrupt government beaurocracy that imposes strict regulations that actually harm the quality of education that students receive.3. Don't know where you get your racist claims.

Stop being a mindless sheep and do your homework.”

42. sputnik said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:29PM

“Ron Paul does not have any racist views regardless of what you "believe" Also he wants to end minimum wage because it hurts the unskilled. If you bothered to try to understand WHY he believes the way he does maybe you would learn something.”

43. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:34PM

“A few things to note: Paul isnt against all those public services. He's against the Federal Government being the supplier of those services, the regulator of the economy, and so on. The gov has indirectly created the economic issues the Occupy protestors are protesting, the Bankers may be ultimatly guilty, but they could not have done half the things they have without the climate set by the federal reserve.

My favorite Paul quote was during one of the debates when Bachmann was doing her $2 gas spiel. Paul added in "I can do much better than that. I can get you a gallon of gas for a dime. You can buy a gallon of gas today with a silver dime. A silver dime is worth about $3.50, its all about inflation and too many regulations."”

44. kevin said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:41PM

“Corrections: 1) Dr. Paul would not, by any definition, be classified as a "racist" by any means. He had a paper distributed in the early 90's and had no publishing control, but allowed free press to those who ran it under his name. He also has problems with the Civil Rights Act only because of government property right infringement. He is very much for the state being the jury of these outcomes, giving more choice to the people. 2) He is not Anti-choice in the sense that he would push it into law. He would allow states to determine what is the right path for abortions/choice, he just has his own personal opinion. He was an OBGYN, delivering 4000 babies, I can understand his reasoning, even though I disagree. Ultimately, he has faith in the people and the free market all of us should be envious of. Those voting republican know he isn't purely that, he's so much broader. Hopefully people can see around the MSM misconceptions and do their own research!!!”

45. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:45PM

“So Paul wants to privatize all those services? Great idea.. . .

Oh, and that final quote amply demonstrates his bewildering lack of understanding of economics and inflation, so kudos!”

46. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:45PM

“Go Ron Paul 2012!!”

47. Veronica said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:46PM

“Ms. Bartlett it seems that you have drawn conclusions by reading the opinions of other people, not by actually studying the man. While I do not stand in the way of you having your opinion, I would rather encourage you to read a few Op Ed's that were written by Ron Paul, or maybe a few chapters of his books as I am 100% positive if you came at the problem with an open mind and heart you would see the value in the message. We as Americans and voters can NOT allow anyone to build our opinions for us, especially a media network bent on keeping you distracted with mundane speculation they attempt to spin as truth.”

48. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:48PM

“Know what you are talking about. He wants to repeal those wall street regulations because he believes in the free market. That market is we the people. Not corporations working with government regulators to support their business. When the government supports one industry over another, they pick winners and losers, not the market, not we the people. Student loan programs do not provide help to people it creates indentured servents. It supports Acadamia and allows them to charge whatever they want because they know that their customers can get loans. If people couldn't obtain loans, the price of college would decrease. BTW, welfare, social programs, social security, and the rest of the government theft and re-distribution needs to go. I want the liberty to choose whether or not I want to participate in SS. Right now, Gov't steals from me to give to YOU and the rest of the OWS crowd that whines and complains with their had outstretched. GEt a freakin job or create one.”

49. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:53PM

“To the Occupiers: Remember "United we stand, divided we fall". Ron Paul supporters and those who stood with the original Tea Party movement are listening to you, and coming to your protests because we know that Wall street, the Bankers, and Special Interests groups are on the same side with those in Washington who protect and bail them out (on our dime). And it is us, the poor and middle class, who are paying the price. If the elite in Wall Street and Washington have chosen to unite in self interest, then perhaps we, the middle class, should unite ourselves. It is the only way we stand a chance against them. The Tea Party chose to take aim at Washington for the bailouts, spending, etc...now Occupy has taken aim the bankers. Those in Washington, and on Wall street, would like to see us divided.Let's not give them what they want. ”

50. EgadsNo said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:55PM

“Occupiers are far too knee-jerk to Ron Paul, compared to him they are late to the party too. He has been shouting at the establishment itself for decades about corporatism and he has been on fire about the trillions printed and handed over to the bankers and funneled to other business buddies through safety net programs that just waste tremendous mountains of money.

They find fault in returning power to the State, you know the people you can actually effect with a protest because people on the State level can get cleaned out quick. Not like in the federal system where they receive a lateral promotion to another department for "accidentally" doing something that tremendously benefited the people lobbing them.

They think just taking money from the rich (and I am by no means wealthy) and giving more money to our corrupt politicians is going to fix anything. Its laughable how very narrow their perspective on fixing the problem is. They were spoon fed to treat the symptoms.”

51. billxwilson said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 05:56PM

“If Occupy thinks for one minute that the many voices of Occupy were connecting the fed/bank/money dots before Ron Paul's message grew national and web-wide, that is just plain delusional.

This article is part hit piece, part reality. Because if we stay tangled in wars it is a financial matter. Fix that first then debate the domestic quibbles. That's what hit pieces do, they focus on the few fears around gross misunderstandings of libertarian strategies, rather than support the bigger needs first... which Ron Paul will attend to like no other candidate on Earth.

So please, set priorities folks and do better research before missing the Ron Paul opportunity of your lifetime.”

52. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:00PM

“And I love how these guys think anyone daring to criticize Paul's insane right-wing economic ideas simply hasn't read enough. We've read that stuff, we get it. We just disagree.”

53. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:20PM

“I am sorry...Saying that Libertarianism is racist is absurd and contradictory at every level. The foundation of Libertarianism states that ALL people have inalienable rights and should be treated equally. Take for instance, affirmative action...I am all for diversity, but when you look at how it is implemented, who is really racist? The Libertarian does not even think race/sex/creed/sexuality etc should be on the application, the pro-affirmative action-ist on the other hand suggests we have to give extra points to each of those social groups because they cannot compete without help.

I have no choice but to conclude that anyone who calls Libertarians racist, are redefining racism to mean the act of refusing to acknowledge the innate inferiority of some artificially defined social groups, and are therefore themselves racist in the traditional sense.

I will acknowledge prejudices in standardized testing, but that is a totally different issue with non-political solutions.”

54. SweetPatriot said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:29PM

“I love Ron Paul, and my mom is an immigrant. We know the value of having to learn the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution plus much more U.S. History so, when we vote we don't repeat history. He'll make citizenship happen alot faster than now due to bureaucratic delays since he is dedicated to reforming the crooked system. Ron Paul is the only one who has taken it upon himself to dedicate his life to educating us and our nation, about the true freedom and prosperity that the U.S.A had to offer when my mom came here from South America. He votes for our individual rights and freedoms, this article is very misleading but I know how the news won the court case in 2003 to be able to lie to the public claiming the 1st Amendment.

Ron Paul for Humanity, Equality for ALL! END the WARS!

If we don't take heed to what he is saying we are doomed to repeat history, Rome was once the greatest but they didn't last forever.”

55. Anonymous said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:30PM

“This article says, "Lots of liberals who want to “end the Fed” can’t get behind Paul’s anti-choice rhetoric and conservative stance on issues such as gay rights and immigration." No one is more accepting of gay rights than Ron Paul. All he talks about is personal freedom and how the government has no right to define marriage...... ?

”

56. Vet4RonPaul said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:30PM

“I'm a military veteran and I'm all-in for Ron Paul because, unlike all the other Dems and RINOs, he is not a neocon out for another war in the Middle East. For those of you supporting the neocon candidates, like Obama and Romney, why don't you join up this time and go off to war instead of sending someone else's kids? I love how your all about peace until it comes to the Middle East and then no sacrifice is too great (as long as it isn't you and yours getting shot at). Creepers.”

57. Grant said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:50PM

“The OWS folks would be well served to do a little reading on the economics that Paul professes. The "model" of western European democracies so often pointed to by the left as what we should be emulating is about to collapse under the debt they had to be incurred to keep the western European social democracies running. Not that the US is in much better shape. We are a social democracy, too, and we have also borrowed and debased the currency in order to conceal the fact that our domestic and foreign policy has not been paid for over many years.

What has occurred is a tremendous transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich. And this transfer was the direct and intentional result of a system of laws and regulations created and enforced by government in league with powerful moneyed interests. The more power government assumes, the more power can be co-opted by those with money. Paul's answer is to take that power away from government and those who would buy it.”

58. Burair said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:50PM

“I have been reading more about Ron Paul lately, and I must say that he is the only GOP candidate who openly defended and supported OWS movement... In fact, he attacked Herman Cain in the CNN debate because Cain talked trash about OWS. As for anti-abortion and gay rights, I think Ron Paul made it clear that these are his personal views, and that he will not allow the government to intervene in these issues as people are free to belive what they want... So he will leave it up to you and the state to decide, not him and the federal government... Which to me, sounds like you're free to be gay or not, or have abortion or not... He made it clear that its not up to him to tell people what to do!”

59. JeffG said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 06:55PM

“True, Dr. Paul personally believes that marriage should be between one man and one woman. Sadly that is the part where people stop reading and start judging. If you keep going, you'll learn that Dr. Paul also believes that couples shouldn't be forced to get a marriage license because marriage was started by the church which makes it a religious practice. By his own admission, any couple, same sex or not should, be allowed to wed if their church is willing to preform the ceremony. That is another reason that I support Dr. Paul, because even though he is a man of faith, he doesn't run on that platform or let his beliefs interfere with politics and government. RON PAUL 2012!!!”

60. Jesse said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 07:30PM

“Ron Paul is not a racist! He just let's his racist friends write his newsletter!http://reason.com/archives/2008/01/16/who-wrote-ron-pauls-newsletter

And whatever vague garbage these idiots say about the government being owned by corporate interests, their man wants to eliminate minimum wage, welfare, food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, anti-discrimination laws, etc, etc. ”

61. Adam said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 07:39PM

“The current battle is between the establishment dictatorship (which includes the two party one establishment monopoly) and the people. This battle will either be won by the people (with liberty, true democracy, and individual freedom) or keep leading us in the direction of full scale depression, police state, and World War III.

If the wars are stopped, an end comes to the Fed, and the special interest group money is taken out of the political system, the people will be 90% of the way towards victory.

Ron Paul has stood basically alone for above goals for more than 30 years for which he was ignored, rediculed, and spit upon by the establishment.

When the stakes are this high it is utterly insane and self-defeating for people of good will to focus on differences rather than work as closely as possible with anyone who shares the above important goals.

”

62. Scissors said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 08:31PM

“Jesse, not only was it unkind of you to call us idiots but it was also unfounded because evidence was produced. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt anyway. I'm sure you are just tired or something.

I am not racist or sexist or any kind of ist. When we talk about truth, freedom, prosperity we are not talking about just ourselves but everyone. I understand you may feel differently and I am not out to change your mind. You are free to believe and express any ideology you like. If you want to have healthy debate awesome, if not no problem. I just hope you realize that what we do agree on is the priority. Which is why we are all at occupy together.”

63. GeorgeBaker said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 09:56PM

“"anti-choice rhetoric"

Since when did us whites ever have a choice about white genocide?

Africa for the Africans,Asia for the Asians,white countries for EVERYBODY!

Everybody says there is this RACE problem. Everybody says this RACE problem will be solved when the third world pours into EVERY white country and ONLY into white countries.

The Netherlands and Belgium are just as crowded as Japan or Taiwan, but nobody says Japan or Taiwan will solve this RACE problem by bringing in millions of third worlders and quote assimilating unquote with them.

Everybody says the final solution to this RACE problem is for EVERY white country and ONLY white countries to “assimilate,” i.e., intermarry, with all those non-whites.

What if I said there was this RACE problem and this RACE problem would be solved only if hundreds of millions of non-blacks were brought into EVERY black country and ONLY into black countries?

How long would it take anyone to realize I’m not talking about a RACE problem. I am talking about the final solution to the BLACK problem?

And how long would it take any sane black man to notice this and what kind of psycho black man wouldn’t object to this?

But if I tell that obvious truth about the ongoing program of genocide against my race, the white race, Liberals and respectable conservatives alike say I am a naziwhowantstokillsixmillionjews.

They say they are anti-racist. What they are is anti-white.

Anti-racist is a code word for anti-white.”

64. KingKrunknificent said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 10:09PM

“the OWS people who are so against Ron Paul are freakin clueless.. its very clear that this is nothing more than a co-opted left-wing agenda, you people sitting out there and protest, but what are you really protesting?? Most of you dont have the slightest idea.. Ron Paul is the only candidate that represents the people, all people, and you OWS folks take a shit in the tent because it has a Ron Paul sign on it?? Sounds to me like ya'll are a bunch of whiny ass little kids pointing fingers and throwing tantrums.. I was at the original Tea Party protests before the neocons hijacked the movement and the left wing starting throwing out the Racist word.. seriously, if you people want a revolution, if you really want to stop all the cronyism and backdoor deals in congress, if you really want to limit the lobbying powers of corporations, vote for Ron Paul, otherwise shut the fuck up..”

65. parker said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 10:27PM

“"...disagrees with Paul on the same points many of his critics do, like abortion and gay rights..."

What's that all about? People need to learn more about Paul before they dis the guy. He believes everyone has the same individual rights including gays. He's not in favor of *any* laws that discriminate against gays or any other group. On abortion, he's personally against abortion (and he's an obgyn... go figure) but again he's against any federal abortion law (pro or anti) because it's unconstitutional. The Occupiers would do well to learn about Paul's positions from Paul supporters; not the media or their misinformed buddies. He's probably the Occupiers' best chance but they're too dumb to realize it.”

66. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 12:02AM

“lol this bartlett woman is a super intendent and yet she feels the need to mudsling complete lies about a man that i doubt she has ever done any research on.

he is for keeping the borders open by the way. maybe thats why philly schools are straight trash, cuz the supers' are just as closed-minded and dim witted. lolumad.”

67. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 12:22AM

“Really? Paul’s anti-choice rhetoric and conservative stance on issues such as gay rights and immigration, the killing of the innocent is good for this country, face it we have lost our respect for life, gay rights are in violation of the Equal Protection clause immigration or illegal aliens hence the word ILLEGAL

”

68. Joey C said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 02:16AM

“Ummmm Ron Pauls "conservative" views on abortion and gay marriage!????? You people really have been drinking the koolaid. Dr Paul believes that both issues should be left up to the states along with drug laws. This is about the furthest thing from your typical Little Ricky Santorum or Michelle Bachmann "conservative" view of these issues. Ron Paul supports the abolishment of marriage licenses which would essentialy allow anyone to marry anyone, whether or not that person happens to be of the same sex. Do some research people, I'm begging you.”

69. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 05:18AM

“The guy becomes cool once he builds you jerks a warming tent? Unbelievable, what disgusting behavior.”

70. Scissors said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 08:17AM

“I have to defend the other occupiers here. Many of them were always accepting of us. There were a few issues with a few groups. And again the most ignorant are always the loudest. I'm pretty sure the group of kids who sat down and risked arrest for the structure were not even aware of what it would be used for. Even with the tension surrounding our camp they did swarm around us very quickly to help us out. Not to mention that if it wasn't for the number of people willing to help, moving the structure across the street may have been impossible. I'm hoping this is the start of mutual respect and acceptance of dissenting opinions. Either way we aren't going anywhere!”

71. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 09:00AM

“Those letters only say that most crime happens inthe inner cities by poor minorities. How in the fuck is that racist. It may not be pc but it's the fucking truth. Sometimes the truth hurts. Oh but wait I forgot black people are now impervious to all blame....where's token?”

72. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 09:37AM

“Democracy means that people who you don't like or disagree with get to have a say in how things are run.”

73. TooManyStupidPeopleintheUSA said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 10:20AM

“please do some research, educate yourself, put together an agenda, make sure that agenda is intelligent, back it up with facts, consider all of the conditions that create what you are rallying against. Don't take your que's from Main Stream Media or a left or right ideology. I have listened to some very misguided sheepish occupy people that lack some very fundamental reasoning skills who are dead set on defending a party line as puppet masters pull the strings. I like that people are upset and making a stand but the misguided ill thought bs I hear is like fingernails on a chalkboard. It makes this occupy movement seem like its a bunch of crybaby kids who have never tried to accomplish anything in their lives who have been taught to think they are owed something. Get an agenda stop blaming the people who benefited from the conditions that allowed them to gain what they did and start looking into the conditions that created it.”

74. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 01:01PM

“Ron Paul isn't a racist or a homophobic. He doesn't believe in placing people in groups, be it by race, gender, religion, class, or political views. He believes that EVERYONE is an individual with EQUAL rights. He has made this clear. If Ron Paul were elected president, that would more than likely be a blessing to homosexual couples. He doesn't believe Federal government should play any part in marriage. If there's a church or religious organization that is willing to do the union, then it's legal in his eyes. He wants to end the drug wars!! Do you have any idea how much that would help our prison systems that give violent offenders early parole because the facilities are too crowded with drug offenders to hold them? Do you have any idea how much that would cut down on gang violence? And why shouldn't his supporters be present at OWS? Ron Paul is all for the protests. As he said in a recent debate: "This occupation stuff on Wall Street, if you’re going after crony capitalism I’m all for it. Those are the people who benefit from contracts from government, benefits from the Federal Reserve, benefits from all the bailouts. They don’t deserve compassion. They deserve taxation, they deserve to have all those benefits removed."”

75. blakmira said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 01:26PM

“Anyone who claims to care so much about what's going on in the country that they'd volunteer to sleep in tents, but then would choose to just regurgitate misinformation about Ron Paul's message -- without even looking into it for themselves -- is obviously the product of being brainwashed by the government and mainstream media.

In fact, I don't even understand what these people who are against Ron Paul (but are for "big government") are even bitching about! They've already got what they want -- Obama as dictator/puppet for huge government involved in every aspect of their life.

I really don't get the "mindset" of these people who choose to participate in the smears they've heard second-hand about the one politician who doesn't lie or flip-flop, and would actually take on the Fed Reserve and stop the wars. Un-freaking-believeable.

They must all be on Big Pharma antidepressant brain drugs, as is a large part of the population... Whoever took a crap in the tent is filthy.”

76. ruiningtheworstdays said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 01:29PM

“Abortion is a wedge issues and smart people know this. Anti-choice is a bad description for RP. He is about freedom. The ultimate 'choice' message. Anti-abortion is a better. It's more intellectually honest.”

77. MasterDoc said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 01:51PM

“It's been said before but needs to be made even clearer.Obama is a tool of the military-industrial complex. and big corporations.Ron Paul is the ONLY available candidate who would end our policy of policing the world; bankrupting our nation with trillions of wasted dollars on a bloated war machine.To those who worry about his domestic policies:if (under President Paul) we kept those trillions at home IMAGINE what we could do at the state level to solve all our problems.How can anyone who is antiwar support ANY other presidential candidate? How can you justify killing men, woman and children in useless, invasive foreign wars? I don't want their blood on my hands...do you?”

78. Anonymous said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 02:31PM

“this article made be completely unsympathetic to the Occupiers (i used to support their cause), they claim democracy and fairness for all and then they shit in some guys tent for standing up for what he believes in. Ron Paul is not a racist, never has been never will be....anyone claiming otherwise is a downright liar and have obviously never researched any of these allegation for themselves. Get a job you dirty hippies. I'm part of the 99% who works for a living and doesn't expect a handout from anybody. Student loans huh, you should've went to a 2 year technical school instead. It's not my fault, or Ron Paul's fault that you bought into the "myth" of higher education. If your intelligent, and capable you shouldn't have any trouble comfortably getting by. We've spent the last 40 years telling kids they're special, and that the government would take care of them, and 1 day they wake up to realize that they're just like everybody else.”

79. 56 y.o. man said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 08:40PM

“Tara - Your first paragraph quoted me out of context. I did not state or imply that the scope and/or scale of government services to people has bankrupted the country. In fact, I do not so believe. I identified, at least, incessant wars and occupations, drug wars, a bank cartel (the Fed) that manipulates the money supply and forces savings toward Wall Street, the Ponzi nature of fractional reserve lending of a debt-based fiat currency, and crony private-government "capitalism" (fascism). All of those wonderful things result from government helping plenty. Egads! The next time, perhaps I will ask to review your notes.

“[Occupiers] basically want the government to help them,” says a 56-year-old man who didn’t want to give his name. “[For Ron Paul supporters], the view is [the government has] helped plenty . They helped so much that it’s destroyed us financially.””

80. DNA? said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 10:03PM

“You realize, of course, that talking about "protecting your DNA" conjures up some frightening images for those of us whose DNA got rounded up by your DNA, put on boats, worked to the bone, and butchered. And for those of us whose parents and grandparents were lynched for winking at some white woman's DNA. It sounds very much like you're talking about keeping your ancestry pure.

Is the "my DNA, your DNA" language part of Paul's platform, or just something his fans are fond of?”

81. redjacobson said... on Nov 10, 2011 at 10:40PM

“Ron Paul believes in liberty and freedom. He understands your concerns as he is one of the 99%. All the rest of the pols including the prez and the Gop Rinos are status quo. Smarten up and work for proper and acceptable change. Ron Paul is the person to do it...... and he even talks to Bernie Sanders!! Ron Paul will restore America in 2012!!”

““Restore and preserve the U.S. Constitution ( Repeal the Patriot Act )End all wars and bring all troops home.( stop stealing and killing )Abolish all drug laws. ( 70 % of prisoners are non violent drug offenders)Understand and then END THE FEDeral Reserve. ( Fiat currency)Ensure civil liberties for all people. ( Be fair, but not suckered )

These are the points that have us ( TFP ) stand along side Ron Paul.”

- Man - I think that was really good and decided to repost that.

Ron Paul, agree or disagree with every policy he has (no one will) is the only candidate who has the ability and the consistency to change the status quo.

how is the status-quo doing right now? hmm not very good.

changes need to be made and they involve the wars, the spending, civil liberties, and the value of our money.

Also,i've learned to just let the rp racist propaganda go. most people who post such comments have never worked in an urban setting and they do not understand the history of blacks”

84. T Paine said... on Nov 11, 2011 at 11:30AM

“The government has been prejudiced to blacks for hundreds of years.

The government has always been slow to aid black people.

But like how alcohol and addictive pills are legal in this country but marijuana isn't - The government passes policy only in its own self interest. Alcohol can be taxed, regulated. Marijuana can be home grown and is harder to regulate for profit.

Such was the case for blacks, the government responded only in its self interest.

What interest is that - you say? Well the interest of dependency/political power. In 2010, 27.4 percent of blacks and 26.6 percent of Hispanics were poor,

http://money.cnn.com/2011/09/02/news/economy/black_unemployment_rate/index.htm (black unemployment the highest its been in 27 years)

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-05-05/us/dropout.rate.study_1_dropouts-enrollment-graduations?_s=PM:US (blacks have the highest public school drop out rates)

did i mention the soaring cost of black health care?”

85. T Paine said... on Nov 11, 2011 at 11:40AM

“What all those things I mentioned above have in common. poverty, education, unemployment, health care - is that the government has been in control of these things for 50 years. Ever since LBJ's war on poverty - GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN IN CONTROL OF CR LAWS, REGULATIONS, POLICY, ETC.

and yet, minorities as a whole have not improved - rather the exact opposite has occured - these people now grow up in a world of cradle to grave dependency. incapable of becoming free thinkers or intelligent producers. Who will be in a vicious cycle of poverty their whole lives

the government uses these uneducated, dependent people as a power base. Obama doesn't become a president - he becomes a faith-based messiah... In reality, Obama has done absolutely nothing but hurt minorities - and yet who will come out in droves to vote for him. The loudest mouths often are the ones heard - regardless of reason or logic.

Freedom and Liberty is the only way for these people to be truly free”

86. T Paine said... on Nov 11, 2011 at 12:01PM

“But freedom and liberty does not pay the bills? you say

I am just saying that as a whole big government policy does not lead to improvements for minorities - it never has - and it never will....regardless of what your intentions are - your intentions do not produce results.

The answer to lessening inequality (inequality will always exist) lies in education

Education is the ability to be honest and controversial and critical and has nothing to do with money and everything to do with the quality of the knowledge and values being passed from teacher & school to student. Ala, the opposite of political correctness. To stimulate their minds with the truth, their real history, and not to lie to them and tell them that the world is equal world. BECAUSE IT IS NOT.

Education is not a right. It is an opportunity,a chance you get to succeed. Knowledge cannot merely be transferred if a student does not want to learn it. And that is where were at right now...vicious status quo cycles”

87. TC said... on Nov 11, 2011 at 08:52PM

“The Democrats are paying and supporting many of these "protesters". There is no way the Dems who are supporting this would allow Ron Paul in without a fight. It really doesn't matter though. Those "protesters" will leave when the freebies are gone. Then only the real protesters will stand. As we have for over.They are clearly not the 99%.. more like the 0.000536% by the numbers. I saw 5 protesters in Tampa. There were more people sitting at a couple of tables having lunch.”

88. Anonymous said... on Nov 11, 2011 at 11:04PM

“RAAAAACISM!!! Grow up OWS protesters. You trustafarian white liberals always try to throw up the "racism" threat to shut down people who don't agree with your idiotic college professors. I'm no Ron Paul fan but he not a racist. Nothing racist at all with realizing the need to abolish the (covertly racist) Department of Education and other big government entities that want black people to stay in poverty and believe that big government can replace the father and that killing babies (abortion) is a "women's right". The real RAAACISTS in this country are the spoiled, white liberals behind the OWS movement who are the kids and grandkids of the tenured, communist/marxist "teach-in" college professors who support the sadistic racism of Margaret Sanger (founder of Planned Parenthood and published advocate of abortion to control the black population).”

89. Patrick said... on Nov 13, 2011 at 03:07AM

“7. James Babb said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:45PM
“Truth, Freedom, Prosperity has donated over 2 tons of organic, fair trade food to Occupy Philly. Now what do you say about those "selfish" libertarians?”
*well if you look @ the orgs & corps that donated the monry (sponsored) you'll see not ONE gov't entity. also...
12. FERNANDO ANTONIO SALGUERO said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:21PM
“Restore and preserve the U.S. Constitution ( Repeal the Patriot Act )
End all wars and bring all troops home.( stop stealing and killing )
Abolish all drug laws. ( 70 % of prisoners are non violent drug offenders)
Understand and then END THE FEDeral Reserve. ( Fiat currency)
Ensure civil liberties for all people. ( Be fair, but not suckered ) these are THE ideas that need to be implemented, Ron's not crazy though he wouldn't do it in day..”

90. Patrick said... on Nov 13, 2011 at 03:08AM

“7. James Babb said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 01:45PM
“Truth, Freedom, Prosperity has donated over 2 tons of organic, fair trade food to Occupy Philly. Now what do you say about those "selfish" libertarians?”
*well if you look @ the orgs & corps that donated the monry (sponsored) you'll see not ONE gov't entity. also...
12. FERNANDO ANTONIO SALGUERO said... on Nov 9, 2011 at 02:21PM
“Restore and preserve the U.S. Constitution ( Repeal the Patriot Act )
End all wars and bring all troops home.( stop stealing and killing )
Abolish all drug laws. ( 70 % of prisoners are non violent drug offenders)
Understand and then END THE FEDeral Reserve. ( Fiat currency)
Ensure civil liberties for all people. ( Be fair, but not suckered ) these are THE ideas that need to be implemented, Ron's not crazy though he wouldn't do it in day..”

91. Anonymous said... on Nov 13, 2011 at 02:49PM

“The denial of a Paultard is an awesome thing to behold....

Ron Paul's Newletters and the ROFLution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H01fVnhF9U”

92. Anonymous said... on Nov 13, 2011 at 09:08PM

“You are very wrong about his stance on gay rights.

Please do some research before you type up an article mindlessly.

-Thank you”

93. Anonymous said... on Nov 18, 2011 at 02:36PM

“Jesse sounds like the dbag from OPP called fat Daryl.Probably was the same guy that took a crap at the RP tent.Guy calls anyone that disagrees with him a racist or an anti-semite.He is a broken record, and spews hatred and lies.”

94. William said... on Nov 21, 2011 at 05:50PM

“Believe me when I tell you, the firearm issue is, in fact, resolved.”

95. Fernando Antonio Salguero said... on Dec 2, 2011 at 11:18AM

“Correct ! The firearm issue is resolved. Police and citizens alike have been shown the truth and power of individual sovereignty and self ownership. I hope that more conscious souls follow this path.”

96. Voluntaryist said... on Dec 2, 2011 at 12:13PM

“Your willingness to "vote" to exclude dissenters from your midst demonstrates that the Occupy movement is ALREADY corrupted. Not by money, but by the willingness to initiate force against people who have committed no crime against anyone else. Unless you forswear the use of or threatened use of violence for anything other than individual self-defense, you will eventually become the same tyranny you seek to overthrow.

It is not the money that is the source of the corruption, it is the gun wielded by government. That's why the people with all the money BUY the politicians, because the politicians point the gun. Unless you get RID if the gun of government, nothing will really change. And even if you manage to overthrow THIS corrupt government, any one that YOU set up WILL eventually be corrupted in the same manner as long as anyone retains the privilege of initiating force against others. As long as that is true, some will be "more equal than others."”

97. Anonymous said... on Dec 3, 2011 at 07:25PM

“Melanie Bartlett said...“.... I believe he has racist/white-supremacist views. "

Melanie, please view this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6sYZxZi4qQ

" ... He also wants to abolish minimum wage and doesn't support public education, major items the Occupy movement would disagree with.”

Ron Paul doesn't support *federal* involvement in education and wages. You need to research just a bit more before you dismiss the man. The concept of States Rights means that each State can/should do what is best.

You can already see that about 17 states already have different min. wage laws...”

98. Anonymous said... on Dec 5, 2011 at 07:04PM

“Divide and conqure... so sad.”

99. Suzette said... on Dec 20, 2011 at 11:43AM

“Very cool Fernando thanks for the link...”

100. Marco said... on Apr 5, 2012 at 07:32PM

“I am from a country where we are not so free, I was a subject not a citizen. I moved to the States about 8 years ago, in those 8 years I have noticed changes within the government challenging the Constitution, but why and for what? The founding fathers built this country on some principal beliefs, that is what makes the U.S. such a fantastic place to live, we have civil liberties! Or do we?Recently my eyes were opened to some terribly disturbing acts within this land of the free and brave, unfortunatley I can't get into it here, but I will say I thought I had discovered the tip of the iceburgh, I was wrong,”

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